Residents & fellows
How to Find Housing Near Your Residency Program
A practical timeline for comparing commute, lease length, furnishing, and total monthly cost before orientation.Educational information only. Housing, lease, tax, immigration, employment, accessibility, and legal requirements vary. Verify information independently and consult qualified professionals when needed.
Start with the hospital, not the city
A citywide apartment search can hide the variable that matters most during residency: the trip to your actual entrance, parking garage, or clinical site. Search from the hospital or training program, then compare realistic commute times during morning rush, overnight call, and bad weather. Ask current residents which garages, shuttles, and entrances they use.
Build a residency-specific housing budget
Compare total monthly cost rather than advertised rent. Include utilities, internet, parking, renters insurance, furniture, laundry, pet charges, commuting, and move-in fees. A lower-rent property can become more expensive when it requires furniture, a long commute, or separate parking.
Match the lease to the academic calendar
Confirm orientation, start, graduation, fellowship, and possible off-cycle dates before signing. Ask whether the lease can start before orientation, whether renewal converts to month-to-month, and what happens if the program location or employment status changes. Get every concession and flexibility promise in writing.
Verify before paying
Independently confirm the address, owner or authorized manager, written lease, payment recipient, and property condition. Request a live video tour when you cannot visit. Never rely only on links or phone numbers supplied by an unknown listing contact.
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